Arsenal Women boss Renee Slegers has issued a rallying cry ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Real Madrid at the Emirates next week. 

On a substandard pitch, waterlogged by heavy pre-match rain in Madrid, Colombia forward Linda Caicedo put the hosts ahead midway through the first half.

Worse was to come for the Gunners when the hosts doubled their lead through substitute Athenea del Castillo, after an assist by ex-Gunners player Caroline Weir.

Speaking after the match, boss Slegers insisted the 2-0 scoreline was not a true reflection of the match. 

“It was quite an even game,' Slegers said, adding: "We knew beforehand that it was going to be a battle between two well-organised teams.

“I think Real Madrid got maximum reward for what they created and what their game plan was today, so credit to them.

“I don’t believe in bad luck, so I think it’s about the details that we need to do better. So, what kind of attacks do we create, how do we position without the ball. The season hasn’t been perfect all the way, we have been dealing with things along the way and I think that’s part of sport and that’s what makes great athletes and great teams. Teams that can come back and want to get better. 

“I think performances and results can be a big motivator to try and do things better next time, so there’s definitely a lot of key learnings from this game and we see all the potential opportunities to perform better in the home game.”

Looking to the second leg, Slegers is hoping home advantage in front of a big Emirates crowd will prove decisive.

“It’s only half-time. It’s 2-0 to Real Madrid at the moment but we’re going to play against them again at the Emirates and we’ll have to believe that we can score two goals with the fans behind us.

“We heard the fans the whole game here as well today, so thanks for that.

"Thanks for the support and we always know that they will bring us that extra edge, that extra energy when we play at home with all the fans behind us so I’m looking forward to that.”